, Charleston Habitat E-News! 💙

"When women come together with purpose, walls go up and barriers come down."

-Shonna Weston, 2025 Charleston Habitat Homeowner

March is a celebration of the strength and leadership of women — and here in Charleston, women aren’t just part of the story. They are the story.

At Charleston Habitat for Humanity, more than 85% of our homeowners are women — mothers, grandmothers, veterans, and single women building stability and opportunity for their families. And more than 85% of charitable giving decisions are made by women, meaning women are not only building stronger futures in their own homes — they are choosing to invest in the futures of others.

Simply put: CHFH would not be the same without women.

The impact speaks for itself. In 2025, our community completed 3 new homes, funded 10 critical repairs, mobilized 1,286 volunteers, and invested $1.66 million to expand access to safe, affordable housing.

But the need is growing. Each new home costs $250,000 — the price of stability, equity, and opportunity for a local family.

This Women’s History Month, we invite you to do something bold:

Help us fund an entire home by April 30, 2026.

When women lead, give, and build together, homes rise and communities transform. And when women build, Charleston grows stronger.

Fund A Home

Charleston's Construction Couture Event

Tired of the traditional suit and tie?

Builder Bash invites you to ditch the norm and get creative with your “construction couture.”

Mix your cocktail best with a touch of hard hat flair—think Carhartt meets Chanel, sequins with safety goggles, or denim with diamonds. This is Charleston’s most unique fundraising event, where style meets purpose for an unforgettable night in support of affordable housing.

Interested in Sponsoring 2026 Events?

Contact: Kristen Jewell at 854-275-2031 or jewell@charlestonhabitat.org

ATTEND BUILDER BASH

Advocating for Housing—From Our Community to the Capitol

This month, Habitat leaders took our mission beyond the build site and into the halls of government—advocating for safe, affordable housing at both the national and state levels through Habitat on the Hill in Washington, DC and Day at the Dome in Columbia.

Habitat on the Hill | Washington, DC

Nearly 500 Habitat leaders gathered in Washington, meeting with South Carolina’s congressional delegation, including Tim Scott, Lindsey Graham, Nancy Mace, and Jim Clyburn.

This year marked significant progress for affordable housing. The Senate passed the bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act, and the House advanced its Housing for the 21st Century package—major steps toward addressing the national housing affordability crisis. Habitat CEO Jonathan Reckford reinforced that advocacy is essential to building lasting housing solutions.

Day at the Dome | Columbia, SC

In Columbia, Habitat leaders met with state lawmakers to discuss housing affordability, heirs property and community stability. Meetings included Senators Ed Sutton, Brian Adams, and Chip Campsen, along with Representatives Mark Smith, Tom Hartnett, Leon Stavrinakis, Kathy Landing, Gil Gatch, and Joe Bustos. We are grateful to Habitat SC Executive Director, Nancy Lee, for leading the effort and elevating Habitat’s voice at the State House.

Why Advocacy Matters:

Homes are built on job sites—but housing solutions are shaped through policy. By engaging from city councils to Congress, we ensure Habitat families are part of the conversation and help create pathways to stable, affordable homeownership.

Together, we are building more than homes—we are building opportunity.

To learn more about our advocacy efforts, contact Kristen Williams at Kristen@CharlestonHabitat.org

HABITAT SPOTLIGHT

INCOMING PRESIDENT OF CHFH BOARD OF DIRECTORS, LAURA BRUHN

We are incredibly honored to have Laura serving as Board President at Charleston Habitat for Humanity.

From dedicated volunteer to committee member, committee chair, and now Board President, Laura has been a steady and visionary leader for our organization. She played a key role in strengthening our ReStore — improving it both physically and financially — and has helped elevate our signature fundraisers to new levels of impact and visibility.

What makes Laura’s leadership truly powerful is her heart for our homeowners. She is deeply invested in the families we serve — celebrating their milestones, watching their children grow, and championing their long-term success. She reminds us often that they are the true superstars.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, Laura represents the very best of women in leadership — collaborative, strategic, compassionate, and bold. She is helping guide our combined board forward with a clear focus on expanding affordable housing, promoting financial literacy, and advancing our five-year plan to double the number of homes we build and significantly increase critical repairs.

We are grateful for her vision, her dedication, and her unwavering belief in the power of home. Under her leadership, the future of CHFH is strong — and so are the families we serve.

Attention, Charleston Area Veterans — This One’s for You.

At CHFH, we believe those who have served our country deserve a place to call home. Through our special program Veterans Build, we are proud to be building Veterans Cottages — strong foundations for the heroes who have stood guard for us.

Applications are not yet open for our Veterans Cottages.

Stay mission-ready and keep an eye on our social media channels for the official announcement on when applications will open and how to apply.

We’re honored to serve those who have served — and we can’t wait to welcome our next Veteran homeowners.

Interested in supporting Veterans Build? Contact Kristen@CharlestonHabitat.org

Questions? Email Fatima!

Charleston Habitat vs. Habitat International

We get many phone calls from local donors asking about Habitat donation requests to be sent to Americus, GA. We know it can be confusing. We thought we would share some information to help you better understand the difference.

Charleston Habitat for Humanity: When you donate, your gift stays in our community - helping local families.

Local Impact: Every dollar supports families right here in the Charleston area.

Locally Run: We raise our own funds, build our own homes and serve our own neighbors.

Accountable: Managed by a Charleston-based team and board - people who live where we build.

Habitat for Humanity International: Donations support global housing around the world.

Global Reach: Impact spans the entire nation and extends to over 70 countries worldwide.

Advocacy: Advocates to make sure housing systems around the world work better.

Innovation: Works to expand low-income families’ access to innovative housing products, services and financing.